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Hard phones are physical pieces of hardware
that plug into your network typically through an ethernet connection. They are the
best type to use as they have no dependency on a computer. This means that they
will work whether your computer is turned off or does not exist at all. Also, it
is very nice to use a regular handset style phone instead of a microphone and computer
speakers. One potential disadvantage is that your home network needs to have an
unused ethernet port in which to plug the phone in.
Cisco 186 / 188
Sipura 2000
Sipura 3000
Grandstream Handytone 286
Grandstream Handytone 486
Grandstream BudgeTone 101
Grandstream BudgeTone 102
Linksys PAP2-NA
Linksys RT31P2
Linksys WRT54GP2-NA
Linksys WIP300 wireless G IP phone
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Soft phones are simply a piece of software that
is loaded onto your computer and uses the computer's soundcard as a user interface.
Most people start with a soft phone because of their low price (typically free)
and availability (easily downloadable). The down side is that you do need a computer
and it is often more difficult to use a microphone/headset than a traditional handset.
Xten X-Lite / X-Pro
EyeP Media
SJ Labs - SJPhone
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Firm phones are a combination of a soft and
hard phone. They are handsets that plug into your computer which utilize intelligent
drivers running on the computer to communicate with the network. They are a good
compromise, both inexpensive and the ease of use with a handset. Most of these phones
use a simple USB connection to interface to the computer. The down side is that
they do need software drivers and a computer to work.
Karry USB Phone
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